first-string

adjective

ˈfərs(t)-ˈstriŋ How to pronounce first-string (audio)
Definition of first-stringnext
as in excellent
of the very best kind a first-string rendition of the musical piece

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of first-string After years of learning the techniques of a long snapper, Olson earned a first-string spot at the position for Orange Lutheran and joined the Trojans in 2015 as a walk-on player. — Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2026 Carrig most often is that man for the Heat, taking over first-string duties after Miami’s longtime official scorer, Peter Abraham, retired in 2022. — Fred Katz, New York Times, 17 Mar. 2026 The Colorado product will be expected to improve after operating as the team's first-string quarterback with Gabriel remaining in the NFL's concussion protocol. — Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 23 Nov. 2025 Tustin’s first-string defense was just as overwhelming, holding the Vanguards to negative-16 yards in the first half while the offense built a 48-0 lead. — Dan Arritt, Oc Register, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for first-string
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first-string
  1. excellent
  2. prime
  3. terrific
  4. stellar
  5. superb
  6. great
  7. wonderful
  8. lovely
Adjective
  • Simashev is excellent defensively and on retrievals and tilts the ice in his favor.
    — Corey Pronman, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • As far as pop stars who happen to also be thoughtful and excellent songwriters go, Kahan is in the upper ranks.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of excellent
Adjective
  • The First Miami Presbyterian Church, home to the city’s oldest congregation, sits on a prime slice of waterfront real estate in Brickell.
    — Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026
  • The entire hardware system has obtained prime-level safety certification from TÜV.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of prime
Adjective
  • With the ups and downs of that season under his belt and Cam Coleman catching his passes, Manning should be terrific.
    — Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Jamal Murray, Jokic, Gordon and Johnson are terrific — when healthy.
    — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of terrific
Adjective
  • The food is stellar, as is the service, but there isn’t a shred of pretence about any of it.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Nuñez’s stellar play at shortstop could offer more value to the team in each of the next two seasons.
    — Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of stellar
Adjective
  • Malgorzata Szumowska, Michal Englert) Aimee Lou Wood and Johnny Flynn are superb as Anna and Fyodor Dostoevsky in Małgorzata Szumowska and Michał Englert’s acerbic and joyful period film.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Segovia produced a superb spin before firing into the far corner.
    — Dean Jones, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of superb
Adjective
  • Rivera-Vega is suspected of setting the fire and also had been charged with arson causing great bodiliy injury before the woman died.
    — Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Starting the election calendar in South Carolina is intended in part to give Black voters a greater voice at the outset of the nominating process.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of great
Adjective
  • There’s this wonderful character in the book, Lucky’s childhood friend [Steph].
    — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Toronto is a wonderful city, and this will be a Saturday night game featuring Sidney Crosby in the place for hockey.
    — Josh Yohe, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of wonderful
Adjective
  • My lovely therapist even gave me a map of the feet at the end to help me decipher where best to apply pressure at home.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
  • This formula that not only acts as a deodorant, but imparts a lovely fragrance (and that's particularly appealing in the dead of summer).
    — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of lovely

Browse Nearby Words

first-rateness
first-string
firth
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“First-string.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first-string. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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